Electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

In an electronic equipment or apparatus, having water-cooling structure able to circulate/supply a cooling liquid with stability, for dealing with an increase of heat-generation of a heat-generating element, accompanying with an increase of processing performances, a pipe, which is located at a side where the cooling water flows out from a tank building up the water-cooling system, is extended up to the position of a center of the tank and disposed therein. Also, two (2) pieces of plates are provided for dividing the vicinity of an inlet portion of a pipe, through which the cooling water flows out, within the tank, and further, when injecting the cooling water into the tank, an injection jig for the cooling water is used, which has a connector portion with the tank.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic equipment orapparatus, in which a semiconductor element is cooled through a liquidcirculating therein.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventional electronic equipment or apparatus, including awater-cooling device therein and also being portable, is already known,for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 7-142886 (1995), andJapanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-24372 (2001).

[0003] Also, an electronic apparatus is already known, relating to theconventional art, in which a tank is disposed within a piping system ofa water-cooling module for cooling a heat-generating part thereof, forexample, in Japanese Patent Laying-open No. Hei 6-125199 (1994), andJapanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 9-268386 (1997).

[0004] In addition thereto, the conventional structure is also alreadyknown, in which a pump will not suck the air into, in spite offluctuation of the water surface within a tank, for example, in JapanesePatent Laying-Open No. Hei 2-209685 (1990), and Japanese PatentLaying-Open No. Hei 5-312143 (1993).

[0005] In particular, as is shown in the Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.Hei 5-312143 (1993) mentioned above, in a fuel tank for use in anautomobile, etc., for the purpose of prohibiting mixing of the airtherein, a discharge port of a submerged pump, to which is attached afloat, and a filter are connected within the liquid receiver tank,thereby being movable vertically following the liquid surface within thetank.

[0006] However, none of those conventional arts takes into theconsideration, of mixing of the air when the tank is moved (i.e., beingturned upside down).

[0007] Namely, with the conventional arts mentioned above, there may bea fear that the pump may suck a gas, such as the air, when operating. Inthis instance, in particular, in a case where it is applied into awater-cooling system for the electronic apparatus relating to thepresent invention, there may occur a problem that performance comes downremarkably, in cooling, therefore the cooling cannot be achieved fullyfor the heat-generating element.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object is, therefore, according to the present invention, bytaking such the drawbacks of the above-mentioned conventional arts intothe consideration, to provide an electronic equipment or apparatus, inparticular, a portable (movable) and small-sized electronic equipment orapparatus, being able to deal with an increase of heat-generation fromthe heat-generating element accompanying with an improvement inprocessing performance thereof in recent years, wherein a stable coolingcan be obtained by circulating and/or supplying a liquid coolant withstability therein.

[0009] The object mentioned above can be achieved by, according to thepresent invention, first of all, an electronic apparatus, comprising: acase mounting a semiconductor element within an inside thereof; aheat-receiving member being thermally connected with said semiconductorelement; a heat-radiation member disposed on an inner side surface ofsaid casing; a liquid driving means for driving a liquid coolant betweensaid heat-radiation member and said heat-receiving member; and a tankaccumulating said liquid coolant therein, wherein said tank, saidheat-radiation member and said heat-receiving member are connected withtubes, and a suction end portion of a suction pipe connected into saidtank is located at such positioned, that it will not exposed from awater surface irrespective of change on the water surface within saidtank.

[0010] Also, the object mentioned above can be achieved, according tothe present invention, by an electronic apparatus, comprising: a firstcase mounting a semiconductor element within an inside thereof; a secondcase receiving a display device in an inside thereof and being rotatablysupported with said first case; a heat-receiving member being thermallyconnected with said semiconductor element; a heat-radiation memberdisposed on an inner side surface of said second casing; a liquiddriving means for driving a liquid coolant between said heat-radiationmember and said heat-receiving member; and a tank accumulating saidliquid coolant therein, wherein said tank, said heat-radiation memberand said heat-receiving member are connected with tubes, and a suctionend portion of a suction pipe connected to said tank is located ataround a central portion of said tank.

[0011] Further, the object mentioned above can be achieved, according tothe present invention, by the electronic apparatus, as described in theabove, wherein an inside of said tank is divided into three chambers bymeans of two (2) pieces of partition plates, and said suction endportion of said suction pipe is located within the chamber middle insaid three (3) chambers.

[0012] Further, the object mentioned above can be achieved, according tothe present invention, by the electronic apparatus, as described in theabove, wherein a gap is provided between an inner surface of said tankand each of said partition plates, whereby bringing said three (3)chambers to be communicated with one another.

[0013] And, also the object mentioned above can be achieved, accordingto the present invention, by the electronic apparatus, as described inthe above, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flow inletand a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view for showing an electronic equipmentor apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view for showing an outlook of thestructure of a reservoir tank applied in the electronic equipment orapparatus mentioned above;

[0016] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thereservoir tank mentioned above, under the condition of an ordinaryoperation of the electronic equipment or apparatus;

[0017] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thereservoir tank mentioned above, under the condition of full-open of theelectronic equipment or apparatus;

[0018] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thereservoir tank mentioned above, under the special condition of No. 1 ofthe electronic equipment or apparatus;

[0019] FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thereservoir tank mentioned above, under the special condition of No. 2 ofthe electronic equipment or apparatus;

[0020] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thereservoir tank mentioned above, under the special condition of No. 3 ofthe electronic equipment or apparatus;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view for showing an outlook of other(i.e., a second) example of the reservoir tank, which is applied in theelectronic equipment or apparatus mentioned above;

[0022] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) are four plane views (including both sideviews, a front view, and a bottom view) for showing the details of thesecond reservoir tank mentioned above;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view for showing an outlook of furtherother (i.e., a third) example of the reservoir tank, which is applied inthe electronic equipment or apparatus mentioned above;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view for showing an outlook of furtherother (i.e., a fourth) example of the reservoir tank, which is appliedin the electronic equipment or apparatus mentioned above;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a view for showing the condition (the water level) ofthe reservoir tank mentioned above, when the electronic equipment orapparatus is under operation;

[0026]FIG. 13 is also a view for showing the condition (the water level)of the reservoir tank mentioned above, when the electronic equipment orapparatus is under operation;

[0027]FIG. 14 is also a view for showing the condition (the water level)of the reservoir tank mentioned above, when the electronic equipment orapparatus is under operation;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a view for showing the structure for inlet/outlet of aliquid within the reservoir tank mentioned above;

[0029]FIG. 16 is an outlook view of a liquid injection jig for use ofthe reservoir tank mentioned above;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view, for showing the detailedstructure of the liquid injection jig for use of the reservoir tankmentioned above;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a view for showing the condition where the liquidinjection jig for the reservoir tank is connected to the reservoir tank;

[0032]FIG. 19 is a view for showing the condition where the water issupplied or injected into the reservoir mentioned above;

[0033]FIG. 20 shows a view for showing the condition of the reservoirtank mentioned above, when a system is operated after the injection ofwater;

[0034]FIG. 21 is a view for showing the condition when the cooling wateris discharged from the reservoir tank mentioned above; and

[0035]FIG. 22 is a view for showing the condition when conducting afinal confirmation, in operations of injecting the liquid into thereservoir tank mentioned above.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0036] An electronic equipment or apparatus, such as a so-calledpersonal computer, includes a notebook-type personal computer, which isportable, and a desktop-type personal computer, which is mainly used ona desk. With each of those personal computers, being demanded to behigher and larger in processing speed and capacity thereof every year,temperature of the heat generation of a CPU, i.e., the semiconductorelement, comes up to be higher, as a result of those requirements. Andit is expected that this tendency will continue further, in future.

[0037] On the contrary to this, in general, the personal computers aremainly of an air-cooling type by means of a fan or the like, or a heator thermo-conductive type, at the present situation. Those coolingmethod have a limit in the capacity of heat-radiation, and there is apossibility that they cannot follow the heat-radiation of the CUP, whichis on such the tendency of high heat-generation, as was mentioned above.However, it may be possible to treat with this, by making the fanrotating at higher speed and/or larger in the size thereof, however itbrings about an effect against requirements for the personal computer,such as low-noise generation and/or light-weighting, therefore it is nota realistic solution.

[0038] On the other hand, as a method for heat-radiation, to be replacedwith heat-radiation of the conventional air-cooling type, there is anapparatus adopting a device for cooling the CPU, by circulating acooling medium or coolant, such as water, etc.

[0039] Such the cooling device is mainly used in a cooling system for alarge-scaled computer, being located in a company or bank, etc., andwherein cooling water is circulated compulsively by means of a pump, andis cooled by a refrigerator for exclusive use thereof, thereby beinglarge in the scale or sizes thereof.

[0040] Accordingly, such the cooling device by means of water as wasmentioned above is unable, at all, to be mounted into the notebook-typepersonal computer, which may be moved or carried with frequently, andinto the desk-top personal computer, which also may be moved due to,such as re-arrangement in an office, etc., even if this cooling devicecan be made small in the sizes, for example.

[0041] Then, as was in the conventional arts mentioned above, variousdevices are studied, for achieving the cooling through the water, whichcan be mounted on a small-sized personal computer, however thetemperature of heat-generation by the semiconductor element was not sohigh as in the recent year, at the time when such the conventional artswere made and filed as the patent applications, therefore no personalcomputer equipped with the water-cooling device comes out available onmarkets as an actual product, until up to now.

[0042] On the contrary to this, according to the present invention,small-sizing of the water-cooling device can be achieved, drastically,by building up the case defining an external form of the main body of acomputer, from aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy, etc., being superiorin heat-radiation, thereby enabling the water-cooling device to beamounted onto the personal computer.

[0043] However, it comes to be appear that a tank is necessary foraccumulating the water, for the water-cooling device to be mounted intothe main body of the personal computer, and that the tank brings about alarge ill effect when the personal computer is moved or carried with.

[0044] Thus, due to the movement of the tank accompanying with ordepending on that of the personal computer, also the water surfacewithin the tank changes, and if the water surface comes down lower thanthe outlet or exit of liquid, in a case, the water will not becirculated, therefore causes a problem that the cooling of thesemiconductor element cannot be obtained. This phenomenon is remarkable,in particular, for the notebook-type personal computer, which may bemoved under the condition of turning ON the power source thereof withhigh provability.

[0045] Also, there is a problem that the water permeates from the pipeitself, being made from a flexible tube, etc., therefore the waterlevels comes down.

[0046] Then, according to the present invention, there is provided anelectronic equipment or apparatus, adopting a water-cooling apparatus ordevice, in which the water surface will not come down lower than theoutlet or exit of liquid within the tank, regardless of the movements ofthe personal computer in any direction (or being located in anydisposition) Hereinafter, explanation will be given in more detail on anembodiment according to the present invention, by referring to FIGS. 1to 22 attached. However, in the present embodiment, the explanation willbe given, in particular, about the notebook-type personal computer, asan example of the electronic apparatus, according to the embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0047] In FIG. 1, the electronic apparatus comprises a main case 1 and adisplay case 2 having a display thereon, and on the main case 1 isattached a keyboard 3, while within an inside thereof being provided ormounted a wiring or circuit board 4 mounting a plural number ofelements, a hard-disk drive 5, an auxiliary memory device (such as, afloppy-disk drive, a CD drive, etc., for example) 6, etc. On the wiringor circuit board 4 is mounted a semiconductor element, in particularhaving a large amount of heat-generation, such as a central processingunit (hereinafter, being called by “CPU”) 7 or the like.

[0048] Onto this CPU is attached a water-cooling jacket 8. The CPU 7 andthe water-cooling jacket 8 are connected with each other, through a softthermo-conductive material (for example, mixture of Si rubber andthermo-conductive filler of aluminum oxide, etc.) therebetween. Also, ona rear surface of the display case 2 (i.e., in an interior side of thecase) are provided a metal heat-radiation plate 10, onto which aheat-radiation pipe 9 is connected.

[0049] However, building up the display case 2 itself ffom a metal (forexample, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, etc.) may eliminate the metalheat-radiation plate 10, or the heat-radiation pipe 9, thereby they canbe connected on the display case 2, directly.

[0050] Also, within the main case 1 is provided a pump 11, as a liquidtransportation means, and a reservoir tank 13 is provided within thedisplay case 2, for accumulating the cooling water therein. Thosewater-cooling jacket 8, the heat-radiation pipe 9, the pump 11, and thereservoir tank 13 are connected with one another, through flexible tubes12, respectively, and with this, the cooling liquid (for example, thewater, an anti-freezing solution or fluid, etc.) enclosed in an insidethereof can be circulated by means of the pump 11. Further, a referencenumeral 14 in the figure depicts a cover for closing a water supply portprovided on the reservoir tank, the more details of which will bementioned later. Also, a reference numeral 27 is an arrow for indicatingthe direction of the liquid.

[0051] Heat generated within the CPU 7 is transferred to the coolingwater communicating within the water-cooling jacket 8, and thereafter isradiated into the air outside, from the metal heat-radiation plate 10disposed on the rear surface of the display through the surface of thedisplay case 2, during when it passes through the heat-radiation pipe 9.The cooling water, which is lowered in temperature thereof in the above,is sent out to the water-cooling jacket 8 through the pump 11, again.

[0052]FIG. 2 is a perspective view for showing the outlook structure ofthe reservoir tank connected to the water-cooling system, for use in thenotebook-type personal computer, as the electronic apparatus mentionedabove.

[0053] In FIG. 2, in the reservoir tank 13 are defined a liquid or fluidregion 20 of the cooling water, a gas region 21, and a boundary 22 (thewater surface) therebetween, on which is attached a cover 14 for closingup an opening for use in injection of cooling water. Further, on theright-hand side surface 16 directing to the front surface 15 of theelectronic equipment or apparatus shown in FIG. 1, an opening of thepipe is provided, as a flow inlet 19 (the portion onto which theheat-radiation pipe 9 from the water-cooling jacket 8 is connected).Also, on the left-hand side surface 17 is provided a hollow pipe 23,which has a flow outlet 18. However, the flow direction 27 of the liquidruns from the flow inlet 19 towards the flow outlet 18. And, the hollowpipe 23 of the flow outlet 18 is extended up to a center of thereservoir tank 13, as shown in the figure.

[0054] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d) are four plane views, including a left-handside view, a front view, a right-hand side view and a bottom side view,respectively, for showing the condition of the reservoir tank mentionedabove, when the electronic apparatus performs a normal operation.

[0055] In those FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d), the display of the electronicapparatus stands up vertically, in the position thereof, when beingoperated under the normal condition. Thus, seeing from the front side 15shown in FIG. 3(b), the hollow pipe 23 extends up to the central portionof the reservoir tank 13. Since the boundary surface 22, i.e., the watersurface lies upper the hollow pipe 23 in the position thereof, thereforefrom the reservoir tank 13 can flow out only the cooling water, butwithout discharging the air therefrom, via the pump 11. Namely, it ispossible to supply the cooling water with a stable flow amount in thewater-cooling system. However, the position of the flow outlet 19 isindicated in the bottom portion on the right-hand side surface 16 shownin FIG. 3(c), in the present example, but it should not limited only tothis, and may be provided on any surface and in any location.

[0056] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show the condition of the reservoir tank wherethe electronic apparatus is fully opened, i.e., the display of thenotebook-type personal computer is opened by 180 degree in the angle.

[0057] With advancing in the co-called mobile type of the electronicequipment or apparatus, in particular, for the notebook-type computer,cases of being used in a car or on a knee are increased. In those cases,it is used while being opened by 180 degree in the angle, sometimes.FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) show the position of the boundary surface 22 definedbetween the fluid region 20 and the gas region 21 in the reservoir tank13, in such the cases.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d), there can be seen the boundarysurface 22, being different from the boundary surface 22 which can beseen on the both side surfaces shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(c) mentionedabove. Even in those cases, the hollow tube 23 as the flow outlet 18 ofthe cooling water lies still below the water surface. Accordingly, formthe reservoir tank 13 can flow out only the cooling water, withoutdischarging the air therefrom, by means of the pump 11, therebyachieving supply of the cooling water with a stable amount thereof, inthe water-cooling system.

[0059] However, in the similar manner of the case shown in FIGS. 3(a) to3(d) mentioned above, though the flow inlet 19 is located at the centralportion on the right-hand side surface 16 shown in FIG. 4(c), but also,it may be located in any side surface and in any position.

[0060] By the way, there is a large difference in the environment ormanner of use of the notebook-type personal computer, depending upon thedifference of an individual or in the countries, and there are caseswhere it is handled under rather hard condition.

[0061] For instance, it is said, in many cases the notebook-typepersonal computer is used continuously as it is in a car, after beingfolded up the display under the condition of use on a desk to be movedor carried with, in particular overseas. This can be considered to comeup, in a sense of eliminating the time for booting-up (start) and/orexiting (end) of the OS. Accordingly, for the electronic equipment orapparatus, including the notebook-type personal computer therein, itmust be designed or devised with assumption of every carrying modethereof.

[0062] Then, according to the present invention, the conditions of thereservoir tank are shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 7(d), corresponding to thespecial carrying modes where the notebook-type personal computer ismoved or carried with under the turn-ON condition of the power sourcethereof.

[0063] First, FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) show the various plane views of thereservoir tank when the notebook-type personal computer is turned backthe display (i.e., the condition of being folded), and in this case, thecomputer is carried with, directing the right-hand side surface of thetank shown in FIG. 5(c) upwards.

[0064] In those figures, the boundary surface between the fluid region20 and the gas region 21 can be seen on the front surface shown in FIG.5(b). Even in this case, the hollow tube 23, i.e., the flow outlet 18 ofthe cooling water lies below the water surface. Accordingly, from thereservoir tank 31 can flow out only the cooling water, withoutdischarging the air, thereby supplying the cooling water with a stableamount in the water-cooling system.

[0065] However, though the flow outlet 19 can be seen in an upperportion on the right-hand side surface in FIG. 5(c) in the positionthereof, in this case, but it may be located in any side surface and inany position.

[0066] FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) also show, in the similar manner as in FIGS.5(a) to 5(d), the plane views of the reservoir tank when the computer isturned back the display (i.e., the condition of being folded), but beingdifferent therefrom, in the case where the computer is carried,directing the left-hand side surface of the tank shown in FIG. 6(a)upwards.

[0067] In those FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), in the similar manner to the caseshown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d), the boundary surface 22 can be seen on thefront surface shown in FIG. 6(b). Even in this case, the hollow tube 23,i.e., the flow outlet 18 of the cooling water lies below the watersurface. Accordingly, from this reservoir tank 13 can flow out only thewater, without discharging the air, thereby supplying the cooling waterwith a stable amount in the water-cooling system. Further, in such thesituation, it is rare or seldom that the computer is under the conditionof turning the power source ON, therefore being very small inpossibility of bringing about thermal runaway of the CPU.

[0068] However, though the flow outlet 19 is located in an upper portionon the right-hand side surface shown in FIG. 6(c) in the positionthereof, in this case, but it also may be located in any side surfaceand in any position.

[0069] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) show various plane views of the reservoir tank13, in the case, being different from those shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d)and FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) mentioned above, where the boundary surface 22between the fluid region 20 and the air region 21 is inclined or tilted.This may be a case of an assumption, where the notebook-type personalcomputer is carried by a hand, or is left in a car, under the conditionthat the display thereof is folded and inclined.

[0070] In FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d), the boundary surface 22 appears on thefront surface 15 shown in FIG. 7(b), however the same can be said whenthis appears on the right-hand side surface 16 shown in FIG. 7(c) or onthe left-hand side surface 17 shown in FIG. 7(a). However, even if theboundary surface 22 is tilted, the hollow tube 23, i.e., the flow outlet18 of the cooling water lies below the water surface. This condition ofthe boundary surface 22 being inclined occurs, mainly when theelectronic equipment or apparatus is moved or carried with. In thisinstance, the case of so-called a sloshing can be included, where thesurface changes in waveform-like.

[0071] Accordingly, even in the case where the boundary surface 22 isinclined, the pump 11 can flow out only the water, without dischargingthe air, thereby obtaining supply of the cooling water with a stableamount in the water-cooling system. However, though the flow outlet 19is located in a lower portion on the right-hand side surface in FIG.7(c) in the position thereof, in this case, but it also may be locatedin any side surface and in any position.

[0072] Next, FIG. 8 shows an outlook of the reservoir tank 13, beingapplied in the electronic equipment or apparatus mentioned above,according to other (i.e., a second) example.

[0073] In this FIG. 8, being different from the example shown in FIG. 2in the above, two (2) pieces of partition plates 34 are provided in thevicinity of the flow outlet 18 in the reservoir tank 13. Those partitionplates 34 are attached onto the front surface 15, and bring about aneffect of increasing the strength of the reservoir tank 13, as well asthe following ones.

[0074] According to those two (2) pieces of the partition plates 34,first of all, the movement of the boundary surface 22 defined betweenthe fluid region 20 and the gas region 21 can be reduced, when theelectronic equipment or apparatus is moved or carried with. This isbecause the boundary surface 22 is divided by the partition plates,thereby being lessened in fluctuation on the boundary surface 22 in thevicinity of the flow outlet 18. With this, from the reservoir tank 13can flow out only the water, but without discharging of the gas, therebyenabling the supply of the cooling water with a stable flow amount inthe water-cooling system.

[0075] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) are various plane views of the reservoir tankshown in FIG. 8 in the above, and in particular, showing the conditionwhere the electronic equipment or apparatus is operated on a desk, i.e.,under the ordinary using condition (with standing up the display).

[0076] In FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d), though the two (2) pieces of the partitionplates 34 are in a mode of dividing the vicinity of the outlet 18 offluid, and in more detail, as being apparent from FIG. 9(d), one (1)piece of the partition plate 34 is fixed onto the front surface 15, butis separated by a certain gap 34 a from the opposite surface thereof.Further, the other piece of the partition plate 34 is separated from thefront surface 15 by a certain gap 34 a, but is fixed onto the oppositesurface thereof. With such fixing of the partition plates, the strengthof the reservoir tank 13 can be enhanced. Also, as was mentioned in theabove, with provision of the certain gap at one end of the partitionplate, it is possible to suppress a large fluctuation on the boundarybetween the fluid region 20, i.e., the cooling water, and the gas region21, i.e., the air, thereby making change or fluctuation smooth on theboundary surface 22 between them around the flow outlet 18.

[0077] Accordingly, the reservoir tank 13, in which the fluctuation inthe vicinity of the outlet 18 of fluid can be lessened, can flow outonly the cooling water, but without discharging of the air, therebyenabling the supply of the cooling water with a stable flow amount inthe water-cooling system.

[0078] Next, FIG. 10 attached is also a perspective view of thereservoir tank, which is applied to the electronic equipment orapparatus mentioned above, according to the further other (i.e., athird) example.

[0079] In this FIG. 10, on the reservoir tank 13 are provided aninlet/outlet 26 of fluid, a cover 14 for closing up a water supplyopening on the reservoir tank 13, and a scale 25. The inlet/outlet 26 offluid is connected with other parts of the water-cooling system throughflexible tubes 12. On this inlet/outlet 26 of fluid is provided orformed a connection surface 24 with a liquid injection jig. Thisconnection surface 24 is a part for achieving injection of the liquid(water) into a pipe. Further, flow direction 27 of fluid directs from abottom portion towards the reservoir tank 13, as shown by arrows in thefigure, and goes out into the direction of the bottom surface, in themode.

[0080] Also, FIG. 11 is a perspective view, for briefly explaining thereservoir tank 13, which is applied in the electronic equipment orapparatus mentioned above, according to further other (i.e., a fourth)example.

[0081] In FIG. 11, differing from that shown in FIG. 10 mentioned above,the flow direction of fluid is as shown by arrows in the figure, i.e.,it enters into the reservoir tank 13 from the right-hand side surfacethereof and goes out from the left-hand side surface thereof, in themode.

[0082]FIG. 12 shows the condition of the reservoir tank 13, explained inFIGS. 10 and 11 mentioned above, when the electronic equipment orapparatus is operated.

[0083] In FIG. 12, since a rubber tube made of high polymer group isused, generally in the water-cooling system for use in the electronicequipment or apparatus, therefore the coolant, i.e., cooling waterpermeates from this rubber tube to be discharged into the air in form ofwater vapor. In this instance, the air comes into this water-coolingsystem. Then, by taking the reduction amount of the cooling water intothe consideration, such an amount of the cooling water is injected, thatthe connection surface 24 with the liquid injection jig does not comeout from the boundary surface 22. With this, the reservoir tank 13 canflow out only the cooling water therefrom, but without discharging ofthe air, thereby being able to supply the cooling water into thewater-cooling system with a stable flow amount.

[0084]FIG. 13 shows the reservoir tank 13 under the condition (the waterlevel) of being inclined by 90 degree in the angle.

[0085] In this FIG. 13, in the similar manner to the case shown in FIG.12 mentioned above, by taking the reduction amount of the cooling waterinto the consideration, such an amount of the cooling water is injected,that the connection surface 24 with the liquid injection jig does notcome out from the boundary surface 22. With this, the reservoir tank 13can flow out only the cooling water therefrom, but without dischargingof the air, thereby being able to supply the cooling water into thewater-cooling system with a stable flow amount.

[0086]FIG. 14 shows the reservoir tank 13 under the condition (the waterlevel) of being inclined by 180 degree in the angle.

[0087] In this FIG. 14, also in the similar manner to the cases shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 mentioned above, by taking the reduction amount of thecooling water into the consideration, such an amount of the coolingwater is injected, that the connection surface 24 with the liquidinjection jig does not come out from the boundary surface 22. With this,the reservoir tank 13 can flow out only the cooling water therefrom, butwithout discharging of the air, thereby being able to supply the coolingwater into the water-cooling system with a stable flow amount.

[0088] Further, FIG. 15 is a view for showing the structure of theinlet/outlet portion of the reservoir tank mentioned above.

[0089] In this FIG. 15, in order to prevent the air from entering intothe flow inlet of liquid if the air is discharged from the outlet ofliquid during the operation, the inlet/outlet portion is located inparallel with the flow inlet 19 of liquid. In this case, the air isaccumulated in an upper portion of the reservoir tank 13. Also, theinlet/outlet portion is formed in such the shape, for example, in atapered shape, so that it causes no misplace in the position with a holeof the liquid injection jig, which will be explained later. Further, theheight of the inlet/outlet portion is set, so that no air is sucked evenif the cooling water is reduced, and in more details, at the positionaround the center of the reservoir tank 13.

[0090] Then, in the water-cooling system mentioned above, the reservoirtank, the pump, the water-cooling jacket and the heat-radiation pipe areconnected in series in that order or sequence, thereby building up thepiping route hermetically enclosed. When injecting the water, or thelike, into the route within such the hermetically enclosed piping, theinjection of water is carried out, normally, by opening the cover 14 ofthe reservoir tank 13. However, the water cannot be distributed in theall routes due to only the injection of water.

[0091] Thus, the air fills up within the pipes of thin diameter inportions other than the reservoir tank 13, therefore the water is pushedout or back due to that air. Accordingly, after injecting the water intothe reservoir tank, it is necessary to push out the air from the insideof the pipes by appropriate pressure, so as to communicate the watertherethrough.

[0092]FIG. 16 is a view for briefly explaining the structure of theliquid injection jig for the reservoir tank.

[0093] In this FIG. 16, the cooling water is supplied, by means of asupply pump 28, from the fluid region 20 through the flexible tube 12 upto a connector portion 31 with the tank. On the way of this, there isprovided a valve 30 for use of liquid removal, and herein working isdone for taking-out of the air. Further, the cooling water coming outfrom the tank turns back to the fluid region 20, again, through adischarge pump 29.

[0094] After injecting the water into the reservoir tank, the liquidinjection jig is inserted into the reservoir tank, and for example, inthe position as shown in FIG. 14, the connector surface 31 with the tankis pushed upon the connection surface 24 of the liquid injection jig,thereby injecting the cooling water into the pipes in the flow direction27 shown in the figure, and then, the cooling water pushes out the airwithin the pipes, while filling up within the tank and the pipes. Forthis reason, with the water-cooling system according to the presentinvention, it is possible to supply only the cooling water, but notcontaining the air therein, into the side of the heat-generatingelement.

[0095]FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view for explaining the detailedstructure of the liquid injection jig for the reservoir tank mentionedabove.

[0096] In FIG. 17, both the connector portion 31 with the tank and theinlet/outlet portion 26 of the tank are in a tapered shape; thereforethe connection between them can be enhanced in degree of contact oradhesion, due to that between the tapered portions thereof. With this,it is possible to supply the cooling water into the water-coolingsystem, without causing leakage of the cooling water.

[0097] Further, a series of conditions will be shown, during the liquidinjection operation into the reservoir tank, by means of the liquidinjection jig for the reservoir tank mentioned above, by referring toFIGS. 18 to 21.

[0098] First of all, FIG. 18 shows the condition where the connectorportion 31 with the tank, which is shown in FIG. 17 mentioned above, andthe inlet/outlet portion 26 are connected with each other. In thisinstance, operating the liquid injection jig makes the cooling waterflow in the circulation passage within the water-cooling system. And, inthis instance, it is necessary to wait for a moment, i.e., until thetime when no air comes out therefrom.

[0099]FIG. 19 shows the condition where the cooling water is injectedinto the reservoir tank.

[0100] In this FIG. 19, the connector portion 31 with the tank is movedup to the liquid surface position 26, as a target, and thereafter thecooling water is filled up therein. The cooling water reaching up tothis target liquid surface position 26 is discharged out, automatically;therefore no flow-out is caused from the tank. Accordingly, theoperation can be performed with safety.

[0101]FIG. 20 shows the condition where the system is operated after theliquid injection.

[0102] In this FIG. 20, the connector portion 31 with the tank isdetached from the inlet/outlet portion, and then the cooling system isoperated. With this, it is possible to discharge the air within thepump, completely. Thus, it is possible to supply the cooling water intothe cooling system with stability.

[0103]FIG. 21 is a view for showing the condition where the coolingwater is discharged from the reservoir tank 13.

[0104] In FIG. 21, while opening the valve 30 of the liquid injectionjig, for use in liquid removal, being explained by referring to FIG. 15mentioned above, the cooling water accumulated within the tubes isdischarged into the reservoir tank 13. With this, it is possible toprevent the cooling water from leaking out when taking off the connectorportion 31 with the tank, i.e., the liquid injection jig.

[0105]FIG. 22 is a view for showing the condition for making finalconfirmation in the liquid injection operation.

[0106] In FIG. 22, it is confirmed that the certain amount of thecooling water is filled up within the reservoir tank 13, and thereafterthe cover 14 is closed. With this, the cooling water can be containedfully within the reservoir tank 13, therefore the reservoir tank 13enables the supply of cooling water into the water-cooling system with astable flow amount.

[0107] As was mentioned in the above, with the water-cooling system foruse in the movable electronic equipment or apparatus, according to thepresent invention, the pipe at the side where the cooling water flowsout from the tank is extended up to the position of around the center ofthe tank and disposed therein, thereby the pipe at the side where thecooling water flow out lies always below the water surface, irrespectiveof the change or fluctuation on the boundary surface (the water surface)between the cooling water and the air.

[0108] Further, with provision of the two (2) pieces of the plates fordividing the vicinity of the inlet portion of the pipe, through whichthe cooling water flows out, within the tank, the fluctuation on watersurface of the cooling water can be reduced, and further, the pipe atwhich the cooling water flows out lies always below the water surface.

[0109] Also, using the injection jig, which has the connect or portionwith the tank, enables to remove the air mixing into the water-coolingsystem, when injecting the cooling water into the tank.

[0110] As was mentioned, according to the present invention, wherein thepipe at the side where the cooling water flows out is disposed, so thatit lies always below the water surface within the tank, it is possibleto provide a stable water-cooling system, and further to secure the safeoperation of injecting the cooling liquid therein, with enabling toremove the air mixing into the water-cooling system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0111] As was fully mentioned in the above, according to the presentinvention, it is possible to provide an electronic equipment orapparatus, being able to circulate/supply a cooling liquid withstability, for dealing with an increase in heat-generation of theheat-generating element, accompanying with an improvement of processingperformance of the movable electronic apparatus.

1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a case mounting a semiconductorelement within an inside thereof; a heat-receiving member beingthermally connected with said semiconductor element; a heat-radiationmember disposed on an inner side surface of said casing; a liquiddriving means for driving a liquid coolant between said heat-radiationmember and said heat-receiving member; and a tank accumulating saidliquid coolant therein, wherein said tank, said heat-radiation memberand said heat-receiving member are connected with tubes, and a suctionend portion of a suction pipe connected into said tank is located atsuch positioned, that it will not exposed from a water surfaceirrespective of change on the water surface within said tank.
 2. Anelectronic apparatus, comprising: a first case mounting a semiconductorelement within an inside thereof; a second case receiving a displaydevice in an inside thereof and being rotatably supported with saidfirst case; a heat-receiving member being thermally connected with saidsemiconductor element; a heat-radiation member disposed on an inner sidesurface of said second casing; a liquid driving means for driving aliquid coolant between said heat-radiation member and saidheat-receiving member; and a tank accumulating said liquid coolanttherein, wherein said tank, said heat-radiation member and saidheat-receiving member are connected with tubes, and a suction endportion of a suction pipe connected to said tank is located at around acentral portion of said tank.
 3. An electronic apparatus, as describedin the claim 1, wherein an inside of said tank is divided into threechambers by means of two (2) pieces of partition plates, and saidsuction end portion of said suction pipe is located within the chambermiddle in said three (3) chambers.
 4. An electronic apparatus, asdescribed in the claim 2, wherein an inside of said tank is divided intothree chambers by means of two (2) pieces of partition plates, and saidsuction end portion of said suction pipe is located within the chambermiddle in said three (3) chambers.
 5. An electronic apparatus, asdescribed in the claim 3, wherein a gap is provided between an innersurface of said tank and each of said partition plates, whereby bringingsaid three (3) chambers to be communicated with one another.
 6. Anelectronic apparatus, as described in the claim 4, wherein a gap isprovided between an inner surface of said tank and each of saidpartition plates, whereby bringing said three (3) chambers to becommunicated with one another.
 7. An electronic apparatus as describedin the claim 1, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.
 8. An electronic apparatus, as described inthe claim 2, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.
 9. An electronic apparatus, as described inthe claim 3, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.
 10. An electronic apparatus, as described inthe claim 4, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.
 11. An electronic apparatus, as described inthe claim 5, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flow outlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.
 12. An electronic apparatus, as described inthe claim 6, wherein said tube connecting into said tank has a flowinlet and a flowoutlet, and a nozzle for injecting said liquid coolantthrough pushing out air within said tube is able to connect to said flowinlet and said flow outlet.